I used Airbnb in Rio during the World Cup last year, still got a good rate for a very nice apartment in Leblon, a wealthy neighborhood. I'd definitely do it again, but the area you stay is very important, best to do some research.

I was there a little over an hour before the Portugal game, and I got in fine. Was getting crowded though, I think they closed it off not soon after. Would imagine there are fewer tourists as the tournament goes on, but still, no less than an hour and you'll be fine and be able to get a good view.

I just spent a few days there. Getting a taxi to the hotel (I stayed near Avenida paulista) is easy and quick, did not encounter much traffic, but I arrived about an hour earlier than you. Mine was BR$124. Took about a half hour? I did not go to any games there, but yesterday the metro was packed at about 1:30 for Brazils match at 4 pm. But then again, that's brazil. Don't be afraid to just pay up for a taxi, and if you split it among you all, shouldn't be bad, and at least you'll be sure you'll be there in time.

In your case, the March 9th expiration is important, but easy to fix. Just print a new application after that one expires but before your appointment. The applications are only valid for 30 days, but there's no penalty for creating a new application, or for creating one and not using it.

Are you going to your Consulate appointment yourself, or using a service?

Ok, yeah my consulate is LA, I'll be going myself, as I live only about 15 minutes from it.

So it sounds like I should submit my application after my first one expires in a month. However, when I scheduled my appointment, it required me to put in my Protocol Number. So, once that appointment rolls around, I'm hoping they won't screw me over seeing as that Protocol number was for an expired application.

Say I'm going to apply for 3 tickets to an individual match. You need to register your guests (give name, birthdate, and passport ID). Will that prevent my 2 guests from also entering in the lottery? Or can they throw their hat in the ring to increase our odds?

Panic implies that we have a chance to reboot and shine. We have old, expensive, aging players. We have the worst farm system in the league. We have a bloated payroll. We have no pitching. It's not going to be good for probably at least 5 years. We just have to accept it,, start drafting better and rebuild. It will take time, but we'll get back to the top soon.

True. I think there was a Ken Rosenthal article a few days ago where it listed out like all the top prospects we traded away over the past few years. Getting Haren cost us Skaggs and Patrick Corbin. And signing Type A free agents makes us lose draft picks I believe. :/